Itinerary

Day 1: Alice Springs to Kings Canyon and Uluru

Journey deep into the remote Red Centre as we head towards Kings Canyon. There's a lot to explore here and we check out the Amphitheatre, Lost City, the lush and ancient Garden of Eden and the sheer outcrops of the North and South Walls. After a bite to eat, we'll pass Mt Connor and Curtin Springs cattle station on the way to Uluru. Tonight, you¡¯ll be glad to curl up in your swag (Aussie bedroll) after dinner as millions of stars fill the sky. (LD)

Day 2: Uluru and Kata Tjuta

Sunrise over UIuru is magical! It's an early start to catch it. While the morning's fresh (and your legs are too!) take a walk around Uluru's base or climb to the top if you choose  however, the Anangu traditional owners prefer it if you don't. Gain a further insight into the land, its stories and the people who inhabit it at the Cultural Centre, where you'll also have the opportunity to invest in original arts and crafts by Indigenous artists. After refuelling with some lunch, we head to fascinating Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) to discover the secrets of this ancient landform and their spiritual significance to the Anangu. A glass of Australia sparkling wine is perfect while the desert sun sets over Uluru. Dinner is a traditional camp oven cook-up back at our permanent camp. (BLD)

Day 3: Uluru to Coober Pedy

We get away early this morning as we cross the Northern Territory/South Australian border on the way to Coober Pedy. Time to go underground! Learn about this unique place with a mine tour, including an opal cutting demonstration. If we've got time, try your luck at noodling for opals yourself! Tonight we sleep in an underground bunkhouse. (BLD)

Day 4: Coober Pedy to Rawnsley Park

Today we keep heading south along the Stuart Highway, travelling past the rocket-launching town Woomera on the way to lunch at Port Augusta. We reach Rawnsley Park, a sheep station set against the spectacular range of Wilpena Pound in the late afternoon and spend the night here in bunkhouse accommodation. (BLD)

Day 5: Wilpena Pound to Parachilna

Challenge yourself this morning as we get an early start to tackle Mount Ohlssen-Bagge, where sweeping views of Wilpena Pound, the Flinders Ranges, the desert and Lake Torrens will be spread out before you. You'll be ready for some lunch before we drive through the stunning Parachilna Gorge (weather permitting) on our way to Parachilna. Get ready for tonight's BBQ dinner - it doesn't get more Aussie than this! We stay in dorm accommodation in Parachilna. (BLD)

Day 6: Parachilna to Adelaide

Check out some interesting Aboriginal rock art this morning with a short walk to Yourambulla Caves, before lunch in the quaint historic railway town, Quorn. From here, our journey continues through the picturesque Clare Valley before arriving in Adelaide. Overnight dorm accommodation included. (BL)

Day 7: Adelaide

A FREE day to explore the sights of Adelaide. Overnight dorm accommodation included. (Meals at own expense)

Day 8: Adelaide to Grampians National Park

Travelling through the picturesque Adelaide Hills, we cross Australia's king of rivers, the mighty Murray, and pass through some little South Australian country towns on our way to the Grampians National Park. Get your legs working this afternoon with hikes at Hollow Mountain and the amazing MacKenzie Falls. We'll be rewarded with breathtaking sunset views from The Balconies and Reeds Lookout before we settle in at our overnight Grampians accommodation. (D)

Day 9: Grampians National Park via the Great Ocean Road to Princetown

Hiking to the Pinnacle is a challenge, but on the way you'll experience breathtaking views of the national park. Next we head south to the coast and Warrnambool, where you'll have the chance to spot whales (seasonal). There's a lot to explore along the famous Great Ocean Road, renowned for its beauty. Discover the Bay of Islands, Bay of Martyrs, London Bridge and Lock Ard Gorge before sunset over the Twelve Apostles - gorgeous! Stay overnight in the coastal township of Princetown. (BD)

Day 10: Princetown to Melbourne

Climb down the Gibson Steps to the beach to get a different angle of the Twelve Apostles, and then we'll spend some time at the Otway Fly, a 25 metre high elevated tree top walk. Continuing on, we pass through the magnificent cool temperate rainforests of the Otway National Park. We'll stop for lunch (own expense) at the coastal town of Apollo Bay. Hugging the coastline, we pass through Lorne, before our next stop where we'll search for koalas. We'll check out the world famous Bells Beach before taking a shopping break at the surfing town Torquay, home of surf labels Quiksilver and Rip Curl. With some bargains in your bags, we make our way into Melbourne and arrive in the early evening. Overnight accommodation included. (B)

Day 11: Melbourne to Wilsons Promontory National Park

Our adventure starts early, travelling southeast of Melbourne through pastoral South Gippsland to Wilsons Promontory National Park. Walk along gleaming beaches, watch the ocean pound onto the southernmost point of the mainland, hike along amazing granite rock formations and learn about coastal flora and native wildlife. You might even see emus and wombats! In the afternoon we travel to the coastal town of Lakes Entrance. Here, we're at the Gateway to the Gippsland Lakes and Australia's longest beach  Ninety Mile Beach. (D)

Day 12: Lakes Entrance to Snowy River Country

This morning we begin our journey into Snowy River Country, taking a break to fly down the zip wire (optional activity at own expense). It's a spectacular drive along Barry Way, with the Snowy River winding below us before crossing the state border into NSW. In the afternoon, let the bus do all the work as we climb high into the Australian Alps (seasonal Nov-May). Hiking along an alpine track (2.5 hour round trip) rewards you with stunning views of the glacial Blue Lake and the top of Mt Kosciuszko (Australia's highest point). During winter, we've got time to play in the snow at the ski resort of Perisher/Smiggins (optional toboggan hire or snow tube at own expense). Tonight you'll enjoy dinner and overnight accommodation at Lake Jindabyne. Kick back and relax with a sauna, swim or a drink at the bar. (BD)

Day 13: Jindabyne to Sydney via Canberra

If you're up early there's time for trout fishing in the lake or you could even go water skiing or wake boarding (all at own expense and seasonal). Leaving Jindabyne, we pass through Cooma, learning about the Snowy Hydro-Electric Scheme (one of the most complex integrated water and hydro-electric power schemes in the world!). Next stop is Canberra, Australia's capital city, where the Prime Minister hangs out. We'll check out Parliament House and other city highlights before travelling back to Sydney. (B)